Father Dave Preaches

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church. On Father Dave’s 60th birthday, he reflects on humility as detailed in today’s readings. We are called to know our place before God and to bless his name. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-30-24

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on if we can attain heaven through faith or good works alone. He challenges us to have a faith that inspires action and helps us follow Jesus into difficult situations. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-15-24

Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time. On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Father Dave reflects on the reality of evil. We remember that eternal life comes from the ashes, as Luke’s Gospel details in the Beatitudes. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-11-24

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave challenges us to think of a time when we could not physically speak. We are called to remember those in our lives without a voice and help bring them to God. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 09-08-24

Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist. Father Dave asks if we’ve ever made a promise that we could not live up to. Today’s readings remind us that God always keeps his promises, even when we feel like he is not present. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-29-24

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave relates today’s readings to the airline policy of putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. While we are called to spread the Good News and share our faith, we must first look inward and connect with the Lord. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-25-24

Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope. Father Dave asks us to reflect on our reaction when God is generous to others. While we may have questions or struggles in our faith, we are to trust God’s judgment. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-21-24

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Dave compares Mary’s assumption to an architect’s rendering of a beautiful new building. We are to find hope in Mary as a model of what God plans for us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-15-24

Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave reflects on the life of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who died in Auschwitz during World War II. Despite the evils in our world, we are called to live in service to each other. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-09-24

Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how we dislike hearing tough criticism. When we hear God rebuke us as in today’s readings, we must listen and be open to his call. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 08-02-24

Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Father Dave relates Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead to our perception of God’s presence. Christ is with us in our everyday lives, not just far off into the future. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 07-29-24

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses what Jesus means when he calls us to be like a child. We are to be dependent on God and let go of our own illusions of control. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 07-17-24

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave recounts today’s Gospel about two of Jesus’ healings. Even when facing serious illness or impossible odds, we should have hope that God can heal us. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-29-24

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. Father Dave challenges us to live like John the Baptist and bring others to Jesus. We are called to be a light to the world, and God equips us to show his glory. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-24-24

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave discusses how we are often surprised by literal and metaphorical storms in our lives. He asks who Jesus is for us, especially during difficult times, and how we can share that witness with others. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-23-24

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. While preaching in Italy, Father Dave reflects on how the Kingdom of God starts small, but continues to grow today. God will help our faith flourish, even if we feel stagnant at times. Preached at St. Patrick's Catholic American Parish in Rome, Italy on 06-16-24

Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave notes how we rely on online reviews to feel confident before purchasing a product or service. We can find similar comfort knowing that God who made the heavens and the Earth is also by our side. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-10-24

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave breaks his homily into two sections, first explaining common misconceptions from today’s readings. Then, he reflects on the story of Adam and Eve, and how God also asks us where we are in our faith journey. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-09-24

Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr. Father Dave relates St. Paul’s words to Timothy to a recent evening spent around a fire pit. We have to fan the flames of faith in our life, just as we’d stoke the embers of a bonfire. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-05-24

Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs. Father Dave reflects on how often we ask God for things. Today’s readings remind us how God has given us all we need to be convicted in our faith. Preached at St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City, NY on 06-03-24